Description
Gonzo , also known as The Great Gonzo , is a Muppet character from the sketch comedy television series The Muppet Show , known for his eccentric passion for stunt performance. Aside from his trademark enthusiasm for performance art, another defining trait of Gonzo is the ambiguity of his species, which has become a running gag in the franchise. He has been considered to be of various origins, including a Frackle, in his debut appearance in The Great Santa Claus Switch ; extraterrestrial in Muppets from Space ; or avian creature.
Developed and performed by Dave Goelz, Gonzo made his first appearance in the 1970 special The Great Santa Claus Switch , as the "Cigar Box Frackle". Originally introduced as a minor figure in The Muppet Show , he soon evolved into one of the franchise's primary characters. Gonzo has appeared in every Muppet film, including The Muppet Christmas Carol , where he portrayed author Charles Dickens and developed a double act with Rizzo the Rat.
